HUMBOLDT — Thrive Allen County shined the spotlight Friday night on those who assume doing good deeds is all in a day’s work.
Individuals, groups and an entire school district were recognized by a crowd of more than 500 at Thrive’s 10th annual banquet at the Humboldt Community Fieldhouse for their efforts in making Allen County a healthier and safer place to live.
Of special note was Humboldt resident and county counselor Alan Weber who received the night’s highest honor, the Donna Talkington Award, whose namesake was a civic leader in many arenas. Always behind the scenes, Weber has helped civic and elected leaders see their dreams come true by working on their inherent nitty-gritty legal details. Examples include helping the county regain ownership of its hospital, constructing a rail trail between Iola and Humboldt, and as a board member of Thrive, providing invaluable counsel to make sure their dreams had some footing in reality.
Though the gist of Friday night was to measure milestones, it also centered on the future by evidence of organizers using area youth to provide entertainment and present the slate of awards, including expansive introductions.
The Humboldt Pop Choir, forensics members with Marmaton Valley High School, and Iola High School students Hannah Andersen and Josie Plumlee each provided entertainment. Boyd also sang the “Star Spangled Banner” to begin the night’s festivities.
Student presenters included Nate McAloon and Boyd for USD 256, Gaby Lampe and Levi Meiwes, USD 257, and Noah Johnson and Kailey Wolken, USD 258.
The banks of Allen County — Emprise Bank, Community National Bank, Landmark Bank, Great Southern, Piqua State Bank and the Bank of Gas — recognized the area’s “Unsung Heroes,” for their contributions to their respective communities.
Larry Ross of Moran was recognized for help turning a closed convenience store into the 54 Fitness Center.
“Larry and his neighbors turned this old eyesore into a ‘gem of a gym’ that all of Eastern Allen County can be proud of,” noted Terryl Mueller, loan officer at Humboldt’s CNB.
Jan Coykendall put the pop into Humboldt’s 160th anniversary celebration this summer as well as her tireless efforts to promote everything Humboldt.
And the trio of Adelina Holloway, Mary Ann Ritter and Pat Spencer of the Gas/Iola/LaHarpe area were recognized for their work with Fees Park, establishing a museum in Gas, coordinating community dinners, fundraising for the VFW and serving on the advisory committee for Wings of Warriors.
Each award came with $150 stipends to be delivered to the organization or community project of the awardee’s choice.
Other winners and their categories are:
o Excellence in Education — Humboldt 258 staff and teachers for their Professional Learning Community Model that promotes leadership skills. The district also has placed a stronger emphasis on student mental health needs, recognizing the need for in-school therapy and case management. Working with the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center, the district has a therapist and case manager in its schools.
o Economic Development — Monarch Cement Company, Humboldt, was recognized for its 109-year tenure as a leading employer and benefactor to the county including renovating half of downtown Humboldt’s sidewalks. Walter Wulf Jr., whose family has owned the company since 1913, was on hand to receive the award.
o Recreation — LaHarpe Pride’s efforts to transform its city park was recognized. Pride volunteers have equipped the once-desolate park with a new playground, zipline and, coming this spring, a sand volleyball court.
o Health and Wellness — Allen County Regional Hospital’s new primary care clinics in Humboldt and Moran have helped bring healthcare to previously underserved areas. Ever since Allen County re-assumed ownership and built a new facility in 2013 it has been the goal to become the hospital of choice among area residents.
o Volunteer of the Year — Mormon missionaries of the Iola Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints were noted for their invaluable service to Thrive Allen County this past year, especially with help in moving to their new headquarters on 9 S. Jefferson. The missionaries have also helped clear and mow trails in the Portland Lehigh complex.
PHOTO: Allen County Counselor Alan Weber, right, accepts the Donna Talkington Award Friday at Thrive Allen County’s 10th annual awards banquet for his long-standing efforts in support of myriad projects throughout the region. Applauding Weber are current and former county commissioners, Jim Talkington, Jerry Daniels, Tom Williams and Dick Works. At lower middle, Marmaton Valley High School students Rachel Shaffer, left, and Clara Boyd improvise a skit for the crowd. At lower right, Iola High School student Josie Plumlee performs with Hannah Andersen, not pictured. At bottom, a crowd of more than 500 filled the Humboldt Community Fieldhouse for the event. Additional photos are on the Register’s Facebook page. REGISTER/SUSAN LYNN and RICHARD LUKEN
